Review of Nagin by Mayur Didolkar

Book name: Nagin

Author: Mayur Didolkar

Book name: Nagin

Author: Mayur Didolkar

The word ‘Nag’ and ‘Nagin’ brought back memories of films where the Ichadhari Nag or Nagin took revenge. The short stories in the book are refreshingly different, even though a tinge of revenge drama is still present which involves the shapeshifters going for the kill or protecting someone from getting killed. All the shapeshifters in these stories are imbued with human emotions which give the readers a clear idea about their motive and even root for them. The author has a deep passion for the occult which comes out in the physical description of Vishkanyas, Vidrupas, Bhinna Nishacharas, Ichadhari Nags, and Nagins.

The first story is about a young boy Kunal who is enamored by his beautiful neighbor who happened to be his mother’s friend. Out of curiosity he often secretly stares at her window. One day he discovers a snake entering her apartment. Later he summons the courage to inform his neighbor about the snake entering the apartment only to get reprimanded. Later in the story, this boy cleverly manages to unravel the mystery behind the snake and his neighbor. He gets over his shyness and develops a respectful relationship with his neighbor. The character transition in this coming-of-age story can take the reader by surprise.

Ranbhool is steeped in folklore which tells the story of this young boy who desperately wants to return home to his mother. He is being guided by a young man. They get lost in the forest where they encounter an old man. This old man tries to dissuade the young boy from trusting his guide. What was the old man’s intention? Who was more worthy of trust? The ending was full of surprises.

The story ‘A little poison doesn’t hurt’ shows how Ichadhari Nags and Nagins are not always seeking revenge but can also save lives and stand up for what is right. Here the readers will learn about the mythical Vishkanyas or the ‘Poison girls’ who can use their venom to set the situation right.

The story ‘Watching You’ reiterates how Nagins have the human quality of jealousy and possessiveness. While they are not humans nor do their actions have any moral grounding but their heart is at the right place.

In the story ‘Haka Mari’ two girls were beckoned by a ghost who disguised themselves as a loved one they had lost. Everyone in the village had gathered to pray for the girls’ safe return from Haka Mari’s lair. This gathering was attended by journalists from the city who thought all this was nothing but superstition. One of them gets a call from Haka Mari but the story does not end the way one imagines. Haka Mari is a ghost who calls in the voice of a deceased loved one and then traps its victim. It reminds me of ‘Nishir Daak’ (in Bengali) which is also a ghost that traps by calling out in the voice of a loved one who has deceased. It is the sudden twists that will keep the reader hooked. The visual imagery will surely give one goosebump.

‘Laughing Heart’ gives the reader a peep into the world of stand-up comedians and how these programs are conducted. One such day when a stand-up performance was due to take place, the protagonist was warned by a mysterious lady of an impending attack by Bhinna Nishacharas. These creatures resemble Werewolves and devour the hearts of their prey. The protagonist was finding it hard to believe this lady and was mentally occupied with the performance he was about to deliver to pay much heed. However, as the last performer for the night was just finishing off all hell broke loose. While the Bhinna Nishacharas did cause a rampage and killed many, some Wyadhas or monster-hunters saved the day. The fight between the Wyadhas and Nischacharas was captivating.

‘Winning Ugly’ is a story of love between a human and a shapeshifter. Is that possible? Does society accept such a union? What touches the heart is the respect and depth that the couple has which effortlessly makes them sacrifice their comfort for each other.

‘How to Draw a Killer is a story of how the shapeshifters turn the tables on those who were out to harm them. How they tricked their killers and made them succumb to their fate made an enthralling story.

An extra story titled ‘The Fearless One’ gives further insight into the characteristics of the Nishacharas and how effectively one can escape the jaws of death. Witty and humorous dialogues effectively eased the tension and I could not help laughing out loud in many places. This story sets the pace for the reader to pick up the next book by the author that entirely focuses on the Nishacharas.

All the short stories on these mythical creatures had a modern city setting which made it an interesting read. The sudden twists, the drama, and vivid characterizations are the biggest takeaways of reading ‘Nagin’. However, in some places there were repetitions in the story-telling style, making it predictable even if there were enough twists in the plot.

The stories live up to the premise mentioned in the blurb-

“Loving wife, obedient daughter, loyal friend.

But if you provoke her, she will raise her hood and spit poison.

A woman is stalked by a man she had once rejected. A housewife discovers a plot to kill her husband. A blond young girl is chased by an underworld gang.

But these are no ordinary women.

Some of them aren’t even women.

YOU HAVE BEEN WARNED.”

The fresh treatment given to the often-visited theme of ‘Nagins’ and other Shapeshifters made reading this book enjoyable.